Why don't we build the sparrow a home?
Welcome To CitySpidey

Location

Why don't we build the sparrow a home?

Residents of Sector 39, Noida, took another step in sparrow conservation as they tied up with an NGO to teach children how to build eco-friendly nests.

Why don't we build the sparrow a home? Sparrow boxes

The importance of sparrows did not end for Noida on World Sparrow Day. Residents of Sector 39 took another step towards saving the bird on Tuesday. They came together to teach the children of the sector how to make sparrow nests, in collaboration with Eco Roots Foundation, an NGO that works to conserve animals’ natural habitats. 

"This sparrow-nest design was given the International Green Apple Award for sparrow conservation at the House of Commons, London, in 2013,” said Rakesh Khatri, founder of Eco Roots. “The nests are made of eco-friendly material such as coconut fibre, jute thread and bamboo sticks, and have so far attracted quite a number of birds seeking nesting space."

 

A volunteer of Eco Roots Foundation talks to kids about sparrow conservation.


"We want to pass on the skill to as many children as we can, as they are the future of Noida. It is important that they be made aware of the need to conserve this endangered bird,” Khatri added. “This is the second sector we are visiting, after Sector 31, but we will be going to various other sectors as well to teach children how these nests are made.”

Vatsala Parashar, president of the Sector 39 RWA, agreed that it was their duty to encourage children to do their bit for sparrow conservation. “Sparrows are becoming an increasingly rare sight in urban spaces,” she said. “We have roped in Eco Roots to teach our children how to build sparrow nests. Every child that comes forward to make one will get a prize.”

 

Children are shown how easily a sparrow nest can be built.


"Small birds, such as sparrows, are vanishing from cities because of increasing urbanisation. Bushes and trees are being cut, and buildings do not have any space where birds can nest,” said Keith Egbert, senior project coordinator of Eco Roots. “Since we are encroaching on their natural habitat, we need to create alternative spaces for them. Hanging artificial nests to welcome them into our lives is one way."

March to September is the main nesting and breeding period for sparrows. “We will try and reach out to as many children in this period as possible to teach them about sparrow conservation and the art of nest-making," Khatri added.

Kudos to Sector 39 for the great initiative!

 

Children pose holding the sparrow nests, with their families, members of the RWA and Eco Roots volunteers.